For Part I, click here.
21. What was your most common mental state last year (e.g. excited, curious, stressed)?
In between excited and anxious. It was a constant battle.
22. Was there anything you did for the very first time in your life last year?
2016 was a year of many firsts. First time being hospitalized multiple times, first time opening my heart to someone wholeheartedly, first time traveling to the States, first time seeing snow, first time working from home, and so many more I can’t recall further.
23. What was your favourite moment spent with your friends?
Many many many moments worth the cherish. The core‘s impromptu Singapore trip that was totally unplanned and jampacked, Camiguin trip with office girls, my impromptu weekend trip to Manila that led to a series of fun events, moments when my best friend stayed with me for almost 2 months (beach trips, constant hangs), another year of an extended birthday celebration that lasted for a good 5 days, impromptu South of Cebu roadtrip with friends and chasing literal waterfalls.. Too many moments embedded in my head.
24. What major goal did you lay the foundations for?
Mostly goals related to career. I may not know what I absolutely want but I feel like I’m at least getting there.
25. Which worries turned out to be completely unnecessary?
This will be the same as last year’s: worries about how I will get through the day/week/month/year.
26. What experience would you love to do all over again?
I’d love to do 2015 all over again, minus the heartbreak and hospitalizations #1, #3, and #4.
27. What was the best gift you received?
The gift of travel. It was abundant last year and I will always be grateful.
28. How did your overall outlook on life evolve?
I don’t know how it actually evolved but I’m in my late 20s now and I feel like life is trying to catch up on me so I feel like I have to do as much as I can.
29. What was the biggest problem you solved?
The decision to take my tonsils out. Mischief, managed!!!
30. What was the funniest moment of your year, one that still makes it hard not to burst out laughing when you think about it?
Too hard to point out! I may have cried a lot last year, but I also laughed a lot.
31. What purchase turned out to be the best decision ever?
My ENT surgeon’s fee. He is the most expensive in Cebu and no regret whatsoever. Can you tell the pattern here? That removing my tonsils is a gift to my life?
32. What one thing would you do differently and why?
Everything I did in 2015 was a result of decisions I stood by. I went all out with my decisions and it brought a lot of tears but despite the pain (both physical and emotional), I have no regrets.
33. What do you deserve a pat on the back for?
For getting through 2015. You did it, champ! That’s me talking to myself. Also, for not using my credit card for any personal shopping I did when I was in New York.
34. What activities made you lose track of time?
Mostly. I’m luck to enjoy what I do.
35. What did you think about more than anything else?
“Will I ever recover from his heartbreak?” also, “Will this be my last time in the hospital?”
36. What topics did you most enjoy learning about?
The whole digital advertising aspect. I quite like being in the industry and I hope it stays.
37. What new habits did you cultivate?
Eating better and lesser. I lost 16lbs last year, then gained back 4lbs in the States, now trying to normalize my weight again. Health is wealth!
38. What advice would you give your early-2015 self if you could?
Practice resilience because 2015 is going to be one crazy ride!
39. Did any parts of your self or your life do a complete 180 last year?
I thought I wasn’t going to survive if I completely eliminated rice from my diet but I actually can. There are some things you discover about yourself when they are taken away from you.
40. What or who had the biggest positive impact on your life last year?
My tonsillectomy, definitely. From almost monthly tonsillitis and virus infections to hardly a tickle in the throat, I can say it has made the most positive impact in my life.